In 2004, three-quarters of Oklahoma voters supported an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Gay marriage is legal in 14 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia.

When Pickel and Black Bear first asked the tribal courts for a marriage license in 2009, they were denied due to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which limited the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

But in June, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark victory for gay rights by forcing the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages in states where it is legal.

The ruling, which has led to challenges in federal and state courts to laws that restrict gay marriage, prompted Pickel and Black Bear to reconsider their options.

They are the third same-sex couple to be issued a marriage license by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, according to a tribal spokeswoman.

Not everyone in the Native American community is supportive of the marriage. Ida Hoffman, the Cheyenne Arapaho chief of staff, spoke out against gay marriage last week and said she would work to make it prohibited under tribal law.